Wurrumiyanga (Nguiu)
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Wurrumiyanga (Nguiu) is located on Bathurst Island, 80 kilometres north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea. Bathhurst and Melville Islands are known as the Tiwi Islands.
In 2010 the community changed its name to Wurrumiyanga from the former name of Nguiu. This change was requested by the Tiwi Land Council, on advice from the Indigenous traditional owners, the Mantiyupwi clan.
Wurrumiyanga is the largest community in the Tiwi Islands with a population of approximately 1500 people, of whom more than one-third are under 20 years of age. Most residents speak Tiwi as their first language.
The islands have conservation significance and are an important site for marine turtle nesting and seabird breeding.
The community has basic infrastructure and a range of community and sporting facilities including men’s and women’s centres, aged care, child care, a Catholic school, health centre and renal unit, supermarket, football oval, swimming pool and basketball court.
Traditional customs such as hunting from the land and sea are still an important part of Tiwi life. The creation of art is also a fundamental part of the Tiwi Island culture and economy. Tiwi art, including paintings, prints, sculptures and textiles, is renowned throughout the world and exhibited in many major galleries.
Wurrumiyanga is a traditional Aboriginal community and visitors normally require permission from the Tiwi Islands Shire Council.